Is phencyclidine (PCP) abuse associated with organic mental impairment?
A S Carlin, I Grant, K M Adams, R Reed
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 1979 DOI: 10.3109/00952997909001717 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational comparative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 36 |
| Population | Sober former PCP abusers (average abstinence 27 months), polydrug users not experienced with PCP, and controls who did not abuse alcohol or drugs |
| Key findings | Six of 12 sober PCP users and five of 12 polydrug users showed neuropsychological impairments, compared with none of the controls. PCP users' deficits occurred despite negative medical-neurological history and less prior abuse of other drugs associated with impairment than the polydrug group, involving abstracting and perceptual-motor integrative abilities. The authors suggest PCP abuse might be associated with neuropsychological disturbance persisting long after use ceases. |
Abstract
The performance of sober (average length of abstinence = 27 months) phencyclidine (PCP) abusers on neuropsychological measures of organicity was compared to that of polydrug users who were not experienced with PCP, and to controls who were not alcohol or drug abusers. Six of 12 PCP users, five of 12 polydrug users, and none of the controls showed neuropsychological impairments. The deficits in PCP users occurred despite negative medical-neurological history, and even though the PCP group abused other drugs previously associated with neuropsychological impairment less than the polydrug group. Deficiencies in abstracting and in perceptual-motor integrative abilities were noted. The results suggest the possibility that PCP abuse might be associated with neuropsychological disturbance which persists for considerable time after PCP use ceases.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Rats tested after a washout period from sub-chronic PCP administration exhibited impaired performance in the 5-Choice Continuous Performance Test (5C-CPT) when the attentional load was increased. Neuropharmacology March 2012
- The PCP epidemic: a critical review. International Journal of the Addictions October 1982
Cites 6
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- Clinical pharmacology of phencyclidine toxicity American Journal of Psychiatry November 1, 1977
- Organicity Measures Following Repeated LSD Ingestion Archives of General Psychiatry December 1, 1969
- Angel Dust JAMA August 8, 1977
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